FRIED EGG, RED PEPPER, GARLIC, AND HERB TOPPING FOR PASTA

FRIED EGG, RED PEPPER, GARLIC, AND HERB TOPPING FOR PASTA
 
Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 large eggs (preferably from free-range chicken)
Coarse salt to taste
Crushed hot red pepper flakes to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus additional as an
accompaniment
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or sage

Directions

While the pasta for this dish is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the eggs and cook, sunny-side up, basting with a spoon, for 2 to 3 minutes without turning, or until the eggs are just done (the yolks must remain runny). Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle eggs with coarse salt and hot red pepper flakes.

You must time this dish so that the pasta is ready as soon as the eggs are done. Place the pasta on a serving platter and toss with the Parmigiano-Reggiano, additional red pepper flakes, and parsley. Pour the contents of the egg pan, including the oil, butter, and garlic, onto the pasta. Garnish pasta and eggs with oregano or sage and serve immediately. Pass the additional Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table.

Suggested drink: Giuseppe Franca Nozze D'Oro, Tasca D'Almerita, 1994.